In this exploratory study, 50 mental health case managers from 2 Midwestern states were interviewed to capture their observations about the consumers they serve; aspects of the job they like and dislike; and their beliefs about the concept, process, and possibility of recovery from mental illness. The nature of the professional relationship in case management is described from the perspective of these professionals, as well as the methods these informants identify as key to the helping process. It is argued that effective case management requires complex and nuanced professional skills that might go unrecognized and underappreciated in community mental health.
Effective case managers in community mental health are successful at forging a working alliance with recipients. This article explores one key aspect of case management practice, serving involuntary clients, specifically those on outpatient commitment orders. In 19 intensive interviews, a subset of a larger study, case managers shared their perceptions of the utility of outpatient commitment with a focus on how such orders impacted the professional relationship. We argue that the use of advance psychiatric directives and shared decision-making processes can reduce the need for coercive practice.
Case managers play an important role in the recovery process for consumers with severe mental illness. This study sought to capture the perspectives of case managers in two Midwestern states regarding the consumers they serve and their beliefs about the concept, process, and possibility of recovery from mental illness. Interviews from 50 mental health case managers were reviewed and rated on the basis of their perceived hopefulness about the prospects of recovery from mental illness. The study revealed that case managers hold divergent views on the definition and likelihood of recovery. The results suggest that practitioners may benefit from additional training and support to further develop their perspectives on recovery, which may also increase their hopefulness toward consumer outcomes.
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